DARIO COLOGNA MISSES VICTORY IN 50 KILOMETRES AT HOLMENKOLLEN

In Oslo the traditional distance race at Holmenkollen was scheduled for today. Dario Cologna (SUI, Fischer) finished second after 50 kilometres classic in mass start followed by Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR, Fischer skis and boots).

Cologna just missed the victoryToday's race was held under warm and sunny conditions with +9°C and the track was very deep. Due to the conditions the race was quite slowly and a large group with 50 athletes stayes together nearly the whole race. Ten kilometres before finish the favorites increased the speed for a moment but nothing important happened. A predecision was made at the beginning of the last 3,3k loop when the group set a higher pace and only 25 athletes were able to stay in contact. When the athletes arrived at the stadium before finish Dario Cologna and the Norwegian Roenning opened a little gap against Martin Johnsrud Sundby and Maxim Vylegzhanin (RUS, Fischer). The Norwegian set the pace in front although he competed in Vasaloppet last weekend. At the finishing straight Cologna seemed to be the safe winner because he looked a bit faster but the Swiss was edged out by his opponent. Martin Johnsrud Sundby and Maxim Vylegzhanin stayed shortly in front of the group and came in third and fourth. Johan Olsson (SWE, Fischer) finished eighth, Devon Kershaw (CAN, Fischer) tenth.

Important bonus points for KershawEarly in the race the pace increased for a few times due to the bonus sprints. In all sprints Devon Kershaw was in one of the leading positions and he secured a lot of bonus points at the intermediate sprints and in the finish sprint. Therefor he took second place in Overall ranking from Petter Northug (NOR, Fischer).